Description:

Are you an immigration attorney who wants meaningful courtroom work, real responsibility, and a firm that is intentionally built—not chaotic?

We are a Boston-based immigration law firm seeking a driven Immigration Defense Attorney to join our litigation and humanitarian practice. This role is ideal for an attorney who wants hands-on experience in removal defense, bond and custody litigation, detained representation, and complex humanitarian relief—while working within a firm that values structure, preparation, and professional growth.

You will play a direct role in protecting clients' liberty, keeping families together, and navigating high-stakes immigration proceedings. This is not a paper-pushing position. You will appear in court, argue bond, strategize cases, and collaborate closely with a strong paralegal and client relations team so you can focus on lawyering at a high level.

Key Responsibilities:
Immigration Court & Removal Defense
  • Appear in Immigration Court for Master Calendar Hearings and related proceedings
  • Review procedural posture, prior filings, and available relief
  • Enter appearances, file pleadings, motions to continue, and comply with IJ orders
  • Strategize case progression based on Individual Hearing (IH) timelines and posture
  • Coordinate court outcomes and next steps with firm staff and client relations teams

Bond & Custody Litigation
  • Prepare and litigate bond and custody cases for detained clients
  • Analyze immigration and criminal histories to assess detention eligibility and risk
  • Develop and argue dangerousness and flight risk positions
  • Prepare evidentiary and due process arguments, including jurisdictional challenges
  • Assemble and present bond packets, including cases involving parallel habeas relief

Detained Representation & Jail Work
  • Conduct intake consultations for detained clients nationwide
  • Screen detained clients for relief eligibility (asylum, bond, SIJS, VAWA, T/U visas, 42B, etc.)
  • Develop factual records related to immigration history, criminal history, and fear of return
  • Communicate with detention centers, ERO officers, and EOIR clerks
  • Conduct in-person jail visits, including at Plymouth County Correctional Facility

Motion Practice & Legal Drafting
  • Draft motions to recalendar, terminate, substitute counsel, and oppose DHS motions
  • Prepare EOIR status updates, motions for speedy hearings, and urgent filings
  • Draft affidavits and supporting evidence for bond hearings and Individual Hearings
  • Handle time-sensitive filings, including asylum applications and supporting documentation

Humanitarian & Ancillary Immigration Matters
  • Prepare and litigate SIJS-related dependency matters in Massachusetts Probate and Family Court
  • Draft and assemble dependency packets and coordinate service and court filings
  • Represent clients in naturalization (N-400) matters, including interview preparation and attendance
  • Identify good moral character and admissibility issues and advise clients accordingly

Collaboration & Case Strategy
  • Work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, and client relations staff
  • Assist with IH preparation, client testimony development, and urgent case needs
  • Support detained clients and family members in understanding procedural outcomes
  • Participate in strategy discussions on priority and complex cases

Who Thrives in This Role
  • This role is a strong fit for an attorney who:
  • Enjoys litigation, strategy, and court appearances
  • Is organized, prepared, and comfortable managing deadlines
  • Takes ownership of cases and follows through
  • Wants to grow within a structured, well-run firm
  • Cares deeply about clients but does not thrive in chaos

Qualifications:
  • J.D. from an accredited law school
  • Admission to a U.S. state bar (Massachusetts preferred)
  • Prior experience in immigration law strongly preferred, especially:
  • Removal defense
  • Bond and custody work
  • Detained representation
  • Strong legal writing and oral advocacy skills
  • Ability to analyze criminal records and immigration consequences
  • Spanish proficiency strongly preferred (but not required)
  • High ethical standards, professionalism, and sound judgment
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining quality